feathers looking sickly

I have a 4 year old ****atiel named Paulie and he started chewing his feathers (at least I think he's chewing, I don't really see him do it that much) He looks awful. I used to bring him to work, I work in a nursing home, but now he looks so shabby I can't. There are infection control issues to think about. It's a shame as he loves to talk to and play with the residents and they love him. I have tried moulting food, mite spray, soothing skin spray, extra attention and even a new toy he can preen which he won't go near. He seems happy and eats fine and plays with the cats and us as usual. He just looks shabby. Any advice would be appreciated. So thanks in advance.

Please be carefull with the diffrent sprays for birds. even though they say they are safe, they can be irritating to their skin. It may be thet he is just molthing, but, he may be chewing his feathers out of bordem. Try getting him some wood toys to chew on. ****ateils are in the ****atoo family and need wood to destroy. You can also check out the website, prizeparrots.com. My mother-in-law has bought several birds from her. She has been working with birds for over 30 years and may be able to help you. I also work in a nursing home and think that it is wonderful that you take him to work with you. Maybe he is missing all of the attention. Take him to your vet and have him cleared to go back with you Good luck, hope I helped a little, Leslie

Hey Catleth, I have an African Grey that is a picker. It happened by him overgrooming himself and then he got into a habit and is still at it. He's been on prozac, steriods, everything we could think of. No luck. I believe he thinks he looks cool. He has no butt feathers - plucks them out whenever they start to grow back in. He has no feathers from his keelbone to his cochlea. He was starting on his wings but has backed off and allowed them to grow back. Vet said no parasites, nothing healthwise wrong with him. They're so intelligent that when they get into these bad habits, its very hard to break. Micah has the best of everything, lacks for nothing. So we live with this plucked chicken who taunts us and laughs at us daily. Doesn't make him any less loveable. Just makes him comical to look at.

Have you tried the bitter apple spray that you put on their feathers? I have heard this is a good way to help break the picking feathers. I have also heard that African Greys are extremely smart and social and that they get bored easily and that boredom leads to picking feathers. Maybe leaving a radio or tv on for them when you are away would help?

My avian vet advised me that birds that are not allowed to remain outside should not be treated with Mite products. He says unless they are exposed to other birds, they will not develop mite problems. One thing you can do is to get a spray bottle that sprays a gentle mist and mist the bird with just plain room temperature water. That will help with the powder on the bird and the dryness of his skin.